A 19-year-old Franklin man was arrested Thursday in connection with a Canterbury bonfire explosion that left a juvenile with severe burns.

Ethan Gagnon, of 39 Hyde Park Road, turned himself in to the Troop D Barracks in Danielson after a warrant for his arrest was issued. Police said Gagnon placed a 55-gallon drum containing a small amount of gasoline on a bonfire after being told repeatedly not to by people attending a party on Oct. 9, 2012. The fire ignited the gas and the resulting flash of flame severely burned a 17-year-old victim, police said.

The unidentified victim was transported to the William W. Backus Hospital in Norwich before being flown to Rhode Island Hospital for the treatment of severe burns on his face, legs and hands, police said.

Police said Gagnon admitted pouring gasoline on the fire to “get it burning better.” He said he then placed the container —which he told police he thought was empty — near the fire. Gagnon told police he saw the victim crawling along the ground suffering from burns.

Gagnon is charged with first-degree reckless endangerment. He was released on a $5,000 bond and is due next in Danieson Superior Court on April 18.